The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented disruption to nearly every sector, and Nigeria’s event industry has been among the hardest hit. As lockdowns and restrictions on public gatherings swept the country, the once-vibrant ecosystem of weddings, conferences, and corporate events ground to a halt. The entertainment sector, encompassing event planning, live performances, and venue services, has faced significant challenges. For example, the Nigerian Cinema Exhibitors Association reported losses exceeding $50 million and over 5,000 job cuts due to prolonged closures of cinemas and event spaces.

This downturn had a cascading effect on ancillary services, including catering, decoration, photography, and logistics, resulting in widespread unemployment and severe financial strain among professionals in these interconnected fields. The National Bureau of Statistics noted a sharp decline in the contributions of the hospitality and entertainment sectors to Nigeria’s GDP during the height of the pandemic, underscoring the scale of the economic impact.

We spoke with Impact Airelobhegbe, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of OgaVenue, Nigeria’s leading platform for event venue bookings, to discuss how the pandemic has upended the industry and what lies ahead.

How has the pandemic affected OgaVenue and your partners so far?

Impact: It’s been a massive shock to the system. Practically overnight, events were canceled or postponed indefinitely — weddings, concerts, conferences, you name it. Our platform exists to connect people who need venues with the owners of those spaces, and with everything on hold, we’ve seen activity come to an abrupt stop.

This has been particularly challenging for our venue partners, many of whom rely heavily on these bookings to sustain their businesses. The sudden loss of revenue has put significant strain on them, and it’s been heartbreaking to see so many venue owners and service providers facing such uncertainty.

What about the broader event ecosystem in Nigeria?

Impact: It’s not just venues — the entire ecosystem is affected. Caterers, decorators, event planners, entertainers, photographers, rental companies — they’ve all seen their work vanish overnight. These are interconnected services, and when events stop, the ripple effects reach everyone involved.

According to early estimates, Nigeria’s creative industries, including events and entertainment, have already lost billions of naira in projected revenue since the start of the pandemic. The situation has been devastating for so many hardworking people who rely on these events to support themselves and their families.

How is OgaVenue responding to these challenges?

Impact: We’re currently focused on two key priorities: supporting our partners and maintaining strong connections with our users. We’ve been working closely with venue owners, offering advice on how to adapt to the new health and safety protocols so they can be ready to reopen when restrictions ease.

We’re also ensuring that our platform continues to share information about changing regulations and guidelines, helping event organizers understand how to plan safely and responsibly when possible.

What specific kinds of support have you provided to your venue partners?

Impact: We’ve provided resources and best practices on hygiene and safety, including signage and layout ideas for physical distancing. We’ve also organized webinars and one-on-one consultations with our team to help venues adapt to the new normal. It’s about more than just sharing information — it’s about providing real, practical steps they can take to protect their businesses and their customers.

How are you seeing venues and event organizers adapting?

Impact: Some of our partners are getting creative by offering smaller, more intimate event packages or shifting to outdoor spaces to accommodate safety guidelines. Others are investing in digital tools, such as online booking systems or virtual event packages, that help them stay engaged with their customers.

There’s a clear shift towards flexibility — everyone knows the situation is changing rapidly, so those who can offer flexible contracts and creative solutions are the ones who will emerge stronger.

What do you think companies in the events space should be thinking about now, especially in terms of innovation?

Impact: This is the time to innovate, for sure. Companies should explore how technology can make things safer and more efficient, such as contactless payments, improved communication with clients, or virtual and hybrid event options.

At OgaVenue, we’re exploring how to integrate digital tools that reduce physical touchpoints and simplify planning for both customers and venues. It’s about reimagining how people gather and finding ways to make it feel safe and exciting again.

Looking ahead, what do you see for the future of the events industry?

Impact: It’s still early days, but one thing is clear: people will always want to gather and celebrate. The challenge now is how to do that safely and responsibly. I believe the venues and service providers who can adapt and build trust by focusing on health, safety, and flexibility will be the ones who thrive in the long run.

At OgaVenue, we’re committed to supporting that shift and helping our partners stay ahead of the curve.

What’s the biggest lesson you’re taking away from this period?

Impact: Resilience. This pandemic has shown us the importance of staying adaptable and working together, even when things are tough. Our mission has always been to help people create memories and celebrate life’s milestones. COVID-19 hasn’t changed that — if anything, it’s made it even more critical.

As Nigeria navigates the uncertainty of the months ahead, the events industry — like so many others — is adapting and rethinking its future. With leaders like Impact Airelobhegbe and the team at OgaVenue working to support both venue owners and event organizers, there’s hope that the industry will emerge stronger, more resilient, and ready to celebrate once again.